DATES – 01 – 4 July 2016

PRICE – SGD300++ for a Lavendar Spa Staycation in a Club Room which includes Lavendar amenities and facials. SGD378++ for a Jen’s Suite Life in an Executive Suite.

LOCATION – Far end of Orchard but connected to Tanglin Mall so it doesnt feel that isolated. Supermarket, restaurants, and children stuff are accessible via the linkway. Getting to the heart of town may be a bit tough though, possibly a leisure 20min walk.

CHECK IN – 3:00pm on a Friday afternoon was okay, and prior requests for the 2 rooms to be near to each other was done. Clarification about parking and breakfast etc were all answered quickly. I also liked that there were complimentary iced tea at the lobby for guests – came in really useful in the hot weather.

ROOMS –

Club Room: 26sqM of space which feels adequate for 2 persons. The daybed was a nice touch, and the lovely lavendar amentities were very welcomed. Bathroom feels abit tight though, but nothing major. Very clean, very functional, very neat.

Executive Suite: 50sqM of space which all 3 adults + 2 children spent alot of time in. It felt bigger than it is, even with the free extra bed put in. The couch + sofa bed (which can be converted into a almost queen size bed) was excellent for lounging around. Plus 2 high chairs + a bar table + wash basin in the ‘living area’ – plenty of space for all our things and luggage~ I wished it could be carpeted floors though. The bed room itself can be separated with a sliding partition and also spacious with good hanging and closet space, and a large bathroom (but no bathrub). 2 TVs in total was very useful too. Everything in the cute yellow fridge is complimentary including the cut fruits, chocolates, milk, and soft drinks!

CLUB LOUNGE – much better and spacious than gateway’s. Mostly attentive staff but they seemed more proactive with non asian guests (not an unusual thing in Singapore unfortunately). Longer than usual cocktail hours from 5:00pm – 7:30pm saw good enough hot savories + cheeses + breads + cookies + scones and nuts etc. There were also fruits and marinated veg. Drinks wise, plenty of spirits, wines, coffee and tea to keep everyone happy. They also have an ala carte menu to order from (chargeable) if you feel the above is not enough.

BREAKAST – chose to have it at J65 instead of the lounge. Plenty of things to full your tummy with, almost a little too much! Quantity and quality both surpassed my expectations, and the egg stations offered soft boiled, poached, fried, hard boiled etc. Really nice.

SERVICE – Mostly good and very little to complain about. The cheerful vibe and casual uniforms somehow helped.

FACILITIES – I had the Lavendar facial at Essence Vale Spa as part of the staycation package and the service was really good. The facilities were clean and well maintained too.

CHECK OUT – Quick and fuss free. Request for a luggage trolley to be brough up to our rooms to load luggage was quick and friendly too.

OPPS – there were 2 minor things I want to highlight. The trashbin in the Suite’s liviing room was not functional as it topples when you step on the lever to open it – the only way to open it without it toppling was to use your hands which we didnt want to. Non functional furniture is annoying. I also happen to be there when a big bridal party was happening (right next to me) and because of the very poor soundproofing, the noise was crazy in the morning when I was trying to sleep, and late at night when I was trying to sleep too! I know noise from other guests is not something the hotel can control very much but at least soundproof the walls a little bit?

This property is a superb revamp from the old Traders – well done Shangri-La! I would definitely stay here again in a heartbeat for the positive reasons above 🙂